Steps to PMHS Certification

About this exam

The Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) exam validates the added knowledge, skills, and expertise of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the early identification, intervention, and collaboration of care for children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health concerns.

a minimum of 2,000 hours of pediatric developmental, behavioral, and mental health (DBMH) clinical practice experience (with or without preceptor) while holding an APRN license - consider using this tracking form to help you count hours

Step 2

Learn about fees

Exam cost: $300 - Includes $130 nonrefundable registration fee.

Re-exam cost: Free if you re-apply to take the exam in the next testing window. $225 (nonrefundable) if you test in a later window. Current PNCB eligibility criteria must be met when re-applying. See free retest details.

After review of your complete application, PNCB will send you an Approval & Scheduling Notice. Depending on when your completed application is approved, it will include a May or November testing window in which to schedule your exam.

You must complete your exam application with all supporting materials within 12 months of initial receipt of payment, or your application will be cancelled and all fees forfeited. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Step 3

See a timeline

After review of your complete application in Step 5, PNCB sends you an Approval & Scheduling Notice and a testing window in which to schedule and take your exam. Use this timeline to understand the process.

Step 4

Check your readiness & prepare

The exam is 2.5 hours and asks 150 multiple-choice questions based on categories in the content outline, an essential study reference. We offer these resources to help you prepare.

Step 5

Apply

To apply for your exam:

Create a PNCB account and complete the online portion of your application here.

Request supporting documents. Your application is not complete until your transcript(s) or any other needed documents (e.g., proof of certification) are received by PNCB. See transcript requirements and address.

Step 6

Schedule your exam

PNCB does not schedule your exam for you. You will schedule with Prometric, a licensed testing center with over 300 locations. Once your application is complete, PNCB emails and mails your Approval & Scheduling Notice with a testing window. Promptly download your Eligibility Letter with instructions on how to schedule your exam, then set a date and time with Prometric. Learn how to schedule your exam plus tips on what to expect at the testing center.

Step 7

Take the exam

Test within your assigned window. Arrive 30 minutes early with required IDs that match your name on the exam application, and take your exam. Pass/fail status is provided before you leave the center.

Step 8

Get official results

You receive official results by email 2-3 weeks after testing. You also receive notification of your preliminary pass/fail status at the testing center immediately after completing the computer-based exam.

If you pass, you'll receive a wall certificate and materials to promote your PMHS credential.

Step 9

Use your credentials

Our suggestion is to always list your degree first, then licensure followed by certification. Should you have any awards or honors, these come last. Listing your highest degree first is fairly standard. If you have a non-nursing degree, this would come next then licensure. If you have multiple certifications, often people list the one earned first in the first position, and the one earned most recently in the final position.

Terry Moore, DNP, MPA, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Let others know the value of your PNCB certification by wearing your lapel pin and introducing yourself as a PMHS to patients, their families, and peers. Mention your credential in your employer website's staff biography. If you want to use your PMHS credential when charting, be sure to check your employer's policy on doing so. The PMHS credential is federally trademarked and may only be used by those who earn and actively maintain their certification.

Step 10

Recertification, referral benefits & more

Recertification is every three years, so start planning how you will fulfill requirements now. You will recertify between October 1 and January 31 prior to the expiration date on your online wallet card. Use your ReCErt Tracker any time of the year to archive contact hours and other activities. When you recertify, you can refer to your Tracker when filling out the application.